When Noah Hatcher was a sophomore, starting in the Abilene High secondary in 2020, coach Mike Fullen said he felt the youngster had the chance to be one of the best safeties in program history before he graduated. 

Two years later, the fourth-year AHS head coach — and longtime defensive coordinator before that — is only more confident in that assessment. 

Hatcher, now entering his senior year, is the established leader of what should be an outstanding Eagles defense this fall. And after watching his star defensive back follow up that breakout sophomore year with another rock solid campaign as a junior, Fullen wants to see him close out his high school career in fitting fashion.